Tasmania staying on Supercars calendar
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 18 March 2025
Supercars will continue racing at the historic Symmons Plains in Tasmania thanks to a new three year deal with state government support.
In an extension of a deal that started in 2004 when the success of local hero Marcos Ambrose brought the race back after five years, the category’s annual trip to the Apple Isle has received a $6 million funding boost from the Tasmanian Government.
The deal sees Supercars locked in to return to Symmons Plains for the next three years, but more importantly the history circuit used since 1960 will receive some upgrades.
The news comes ahead of the upcoming Tasmania Super440, which is the next Supercars round in Australia on May 9-11.
Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan, said it $1.8 million is going straight to the circuit and the sport in the state.
“The Supercars Championship is one of Tasmania’s premier sporting events, attracting thousands of fans and generating millions of dollars in economic benefit for local businesses,” he said.
“More than one million fans have attended Supercars events at Symmons Plains since 1995, and we look forward to welcoming many more over the coming years.
“This deal includes a new three-year agreement, valued at $4,155,000, to ensure Supercars events – such as the upcoming Tasmania Super440 – can thrive in Tasmania through until 2027.
“In addition to this commitment, we will be providing $1.8 million to the owners of Symmons Plains Raceway, Motorsports Tasmania, over the next three years to undertake mandatory safety and amenity improvements, ensuring the venue remains a premier destination for motorsport events.
“Excitingly, the 2025 event will see the return of the Top Ten Shootout Qualifying for the first time since 2010, along with the inaugural Super2 Top Five Shootout.
“These additions will, no doubt, enhance the spectator experience for the event which is expected to draw over 20,000 interstate and international visitors over the next three years, providing substantial economic and social benefits to the state.”
Supercars CEO Shane Howard said Tasmania remains a key part of the season.
“Tasmania has some of the most passionate and knowledgeable motorsport fans in the country, and we are thrilled to continue bringing Supercars racing to Symmons Plains for at least the next three years,” Howard said.
“The support from the Tasmanian Government has been crucial in ensuring we can continue delivering high-quality racing and entertainment for local fans and visitors to the region.”
Ahead of the Tasmania Super440, a fan activation will take place at Hobart’s Princes Wharf No. 1 on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 from 15.00-18.00 local time.
Photo by Mark Horsburgh
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